The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • R
  • 
  • ˆ
  • ‰

Natalie Portman Thanks Camera Operators in Best Actress Oscar Speech

Last night at the 83rd Academy Awards, Natalie Portman gave one of the more sincere speeches after winning Best Actress. In that speech she took the time to thank the camera operators of Black Swan among the usual "Thank You's." That kind of recognition is rare for below the line crew members and was a classy move on her part.

by Evan Luzi | Industry News | February 28, 2011 | Comments: 6

Embedded is a link to the YouTube video of her speech from the award ceremony. The part where Portman starts to thank the crew members is around 5:45.

Transcript of that part of the speech:

There are people on films that no one ever talks about that are your heart and soul everyday: Margie and Geordie who did my hair and makeup,  Nicci who dressed me and Kate and Laura Mulleavy who designed the beautiful ballet costumes. Joe Reidy, our incredible A.D. — first A.D. — and our camera operators, JC and Steve, you gave me so much soul behind the camera everyday, you gave me all of your energy […]

I found it admirable that she took the time to not only address the crew of the film, but to mention them by name, even if it was only briefly. Most people who watch the Oscars don’t realize all of the crew that contribute to the films that end up on the silver screen.

Wally Pfister, who won Best Cinematography for Inception despite trailing in betting odds, also took the time to thank many of his key crew on the backstage “Thank You” cam.

Unfortunately the video is no longer available, so here is a transcript of Wally Pfister’s “Thank You” cam appearance:

What’s up thank you cam? I’d like to say “thank you” to, specifically, my wonderful crew: My gaffer Cory Geryak, my camera assistant Bob Hall, my key grip Ray Garcia, my key grip in England Ryan Monro. To my mom and dad, my three crazy sisters. Umm…I…Man. (Pause) To union members all over the country and all over the world, were gonna continue to fight the battles to make sure were allowed to make a decent wage and have healthcare. And so for the brothers in Wisconsin, keep up the good fight.

Pfister is a class act and I would expect him to acknowledge the hard work of his crew, but it is also refreshing to see an actress like Portman show her appreciation too. She must’ve learned well from Michael Caine.

Related posts:

  1. “Red Herring” Official Trailer
  2. RED Epic Finds Itself in a Pillow Fight (Video/Footage)
  3. Reverse Angle: Camera Operators in the Movies (Video)
  4. At the ‘Ghosts Don’t Exist’ Movie Premiere for the DC Independent Film Festival

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

  • Follow Evan on Instagram
  • zVisit Evan’s website

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

Read Next

"Red Herring" Official Trailer

"Red Herring" is a Las Vegas based independent film produced by Cohencidence Productions that I worked on back in October as the First Assistant Camera for a talented cinematographer and good friend, Kunitaro Ohi. It's a film that's shoot was as grueling as it was rewarding - nothing worth doing comes easy, I suppose.

  • RED Epic Finds Itself in a Pillow Fight (Video/Footage)
  • Reverse Angle: Camera Operators in the Movies (Video)
  • RED Epic Footage Roundup: Pics, Video, R3D
  • At the 'Ghosts Don't Exist' Movie Premiere for the DC Independent Film Festival
3 Simple Ways to Become a Better Focus Puller Over the Weekend

3 Simple Ways to Become a Better Focus Puller Over the Weekend

Do you find pulling focus to be tough? You're not the only one. As Sam Garwood says, it's "a really simple really difficult job." The physical act is easy, but the mental pressure is immense. Even if you're an experienced focus puller, honing the skill is an ongoing battle.

  • How to Clean a Camera Lens Without Damaging the Glass
  • Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How You Can Improve Them
  • 7 G&E Techniques Useful to Camera Assistants
  • Don't Be Stupid: The IATSE Local 600's Free Guide to Setiquette

Happy Labor Day: The Film Industry Should Treat Crew Better

Today is Labor Day in the United States and, as we recognize this national holiday dedicated to the achievements of the American workforce, it's important to acknowledge that the crew in the film industry – the labor – hold more skill, talent, and power than is being recognized and rewarded.

  • 'The Gift of Room Tone' featuring Martin Scorsese, Roger Deakins, Cristopher Walken, and More
  • Focus Puller Chris Silano on Using the Preston Light Ranger
  • Tom Cruise Isn't Messing Around with COVID Safety
  • 20 Holiday Gifts for Camera Assistants (That Your Family Can Actually Afford)
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 The Black and Blue, LLC